Special Olympics welcomes plungers to Hampton Beach next month

Tuesday

Jan 8, 2013 at 3:15 AM

HAMPTON — Special Olympics N.H. will welcome more than 1,200 people dressed in costumes the weekend of Feb. 2-3 to plunge into the Atlantic Ocean at Hampton Beach to benefit athletes with intellectual disabilities.

One of the largest events in New Hampshire, the Penguin Plunge and High School Plunge weekend brings people together from across the Granite State to have fun and raise money for Special Olympics, the state’s only sports competition organization serving those with intellectual disabilities. Activities are centered near the new pavilion on Hampton Beach, across the street from the Hampton Beach Casino, where the party starts once the plungers exit the water.

Before participants enter the water, there is a costume parade. The High School Plunge theme for 2013 is Greek Olympics and the Penguin Plunge is Goin’ to the Chapel. Plungers dress up and compete for prizes, and they can plunge individually or with a “flock” of their family, friends or neighbors.

At the celebration following the Plunge, there is lunch, a live band and the awards presentations. Once again, Mike Haddad and Kevin Skarupa of the WMUR Weather Team will help host plungers and Mark Ericson and Karen Kiley from WOKQ’s Morning Waking Crew are your masters of ceremony.

Special Olympics N.H. CEO Mary Conroy says the agency owes much to the media partners.

“We are fortunate to have dedicated partners in WMUR and WOKQ. And even more so to have Mark and 2K, Mike and Kevin and others at both stations as perennial friends of SONH, who understand the great impact of our work, the need to keep this event fun and the seriousness with which our staff and volunteer management team work to make it happen.”

All proceeds directly benefit athletes in local programs around the state who practice and compete in 14 sports year round. There are prizes for fundraising excellence as well and incentives at six levels including gift cards for Appleby’s, Irving/Circle K and Walmart.

Each High School Plunger must raise $175 and will receive a 2013 Plunge zip up hoodie. Each Sunday Plunger must raise $350 and will receive a 2013 Plunge zip up hoodie or fleece for participating.

The Penguin Plunge weekend is the premier fundraiser for Special Olympics New Hampshire, having raised more than $500,000 in 2012, and the organization works closely with public safety officials in the town and county to insure safety for all participants. Any high school student can plunge on Saturday and anyone 15 years or older can plunge Sunday.

Registration is available until Jan. 27 online and then live in several locations the week before the event.

To register as a plunger, or for more information on the Plunge weekend, visit www.sonh.org.